A CONTROVERSIAL funfair in Bromsgrove is going ahead this weekend - with the council insisting it is up to the town's residents whether they go along.

Bromsgrove District Council said it had given organisers of Tommy Wilson's Fair the opportunity to reschedule its visit with concerns growing nationwide over a second wave of coronavirus.

However, the funfair operators have chosen to go ahead with their event and set up stall at the Recreation Ground near Asda today (Thursday, September 24).

Council leader Karen May admitted the council had been inundated with correspondence from residents but intimated it was not an event they had the power to cancel.

Cllr May said: “Based on the amount of emails we have received and the comments via social media, I realise that lots of residents will be surprised that the funfair is going ahead and indeed opens today.

“The original booking was made before the Prime Minister’s latest address, and although there was subsequently no impact on the operating of funfairs, other than them closing at 10pm, we felt we wanted to offer Mr Wilson the chance to consider rescheduling the event to next year, and current rates would still apply.

“The offer was declined and the Council has worked with Mr Wilson on his Covid-19 specific risk assessments and are confident that sufficient safety measures are in place.

“A Council officer will also be on duty during the funfair operating times to ensure the risk assessments are being adhered to.

“I do understand our residents’ concerns but ultimately it is up to individuals to decide if they want to go to a funfair during a global pandemic and if they do, then they need to act responsibly with their safety, and that of others, in mind.”

Tommy Wilson’s Fair will be at the Recreation Ground in Bromsgrove this weekend and next weekend at the following times - 5:30pm-8:30pm Thu/Fri, 2pm – 8:30pm Sat, 1pm to 7:30pm Sunday.

It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.